Get to Know a Wedding Planner: A Splendid Occasion

Tell us a bit about yourself and your company.

A Splendid Occasion is a full service wedding planning + design boutique in the heart of Chicago, IL. My goal is to make the planning process of your wedding or event enjoyable. Forget the stress, I love the details! I was born and raised in Nashville, TN but have thoroughly enjoyed living the city life here in Chicago. I am definitely more of a city girl! My experience encompasses planning and styling weddings, corporate and government events, and social parties, as well as styled photo shoots.

How did you get into wedding planning?

I guess I sort of fell into it! I have always had a knack for planning parties and other events when I was growing up. Most of my careers have taken place in the Fashion/Retail industry and thought that was what I wanted to pursue after graduating college. I made the switch over to corporate event planning and fell in love with creating fulfilling events for all different types of people. Corporate event planning really didn’t fulfill my need of using my creativity and fashion background, so I decided to make the switch over to weddings. I really enjoy it!

What’s your favorite part of the job?

There are so many rewarding parts of being a wedding planner, but if I had to pick one it would be the result. The day of a wedding can be stressful and a lot of work, but seeing all of the hard work you and your vendors have put into it all come together – it’s magical! It really is all worth it when your bride, groom, and family members come up to you and all give you the biggest hug. THAT is priceless!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned, and would pass along to other new wedding planners just getting started?

Patience, Patience, Patience. I struggle with this everyday! As much as you want to believe you are the most creative, most thrifty, most experienced wedding planner in your city it still takes time to become successful.

What are your hobbies or non-work-related activities?

I’ve been a dancer all of my life – tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, etc. I love it and it is a good stress reliever when I get the chance to take a class. I also love baking, thrifting, and hanging out with my husband and 4 lb pup, Marcy.